Kiddy Kingdom Carousel

Located in the center of Cedar Point’s Kiddy Kingdom, this 1925 carousel is a fine example of the craftsmanship of the William H. Dentzel firm of Philadelphia. With 52 animals (16 standing and 36 jumping) and two chariots, the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel is one of Dentzel’s personal favorites.

Cedar Point purchased the machine from Hunting Park in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1968. In addition to horses, it contains a menagerie consisting of bears, rabbits, ostriches, a lion, tiger and donkey. The lion and tiger probably were not original mates. The tiger’s trappings include only a saddle and blanket, while the lion features a full harness. A 57-foot-wide turntable and Wurlitzer #105 band organ are present on this ride.

While this carousel was in storage in Memphis being refurbished to operate at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1938, Daniel Muller was commissioned to decorate the horses, particularly those on the outer row. Muller changed the original appearance of the animals by adding wood and carving new decorations on the shoulders and/or headstalls of the figures. The armored horse on the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel was carved by Muller and is one of the finest figures ever produced by the Dentzel Company.

This ride is unique in that it features two Muller circus horses. The saddle, skirt and blanket on the figures are similar to the Muller military design. However, coloring and the addition of plumes designate them as circus horses.